OUTFIT DETAILS

Virginia is definitely a state for lovers. Charlottesville is a charming college town with so much to offer, especially during Fall. Carter Mountain Orchard is well known for apple picking. It’s the perfect activity to do with your beau. Johnny and I had so much fun picking out our favorite apples to bring home! I highly recommend going early in the season, so you’ll get more apples to choose from! This will mean better pictures, too. These photos are from last year but I didn’t get a chance to work on them and post until it was well after apple picking season. They were part of our trip to the Virginia Mountains. If apple picking is something you’re wanting to do this fall, I’m spilling some tips, as well as the two things we wish we knew before we embarked on this adventure!

What To Wear

Comfortable shoes are a must for apple picking. Whether you visit Carter Mountain Orchard or any other orchard, you will be doing plenty of walking. You’ll get enough steps to make your friends jealous, trust me. These booties are some of my favorites but to be honest, toward the end of our time there, my feet ached a bit. Flat boots would be perfect for this as they will keep your legs warm if it’s chilly and are quite comfortable. Fashionable sneakers would also be a great option. I would suggest this leather pair for apple picking. I also recommend wearing long sleeves. Sometimes, to get the best apple, you’ll have to reach into the tree and you won’t want branches and leaves to scratch your arms. Also, don’t wear anything you are not comfortable getting a little dirty. It can be muddy, sandy or slick depending on the weather.

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When To Go

For this particular outing, Johnny and I along with our friend Toan, went in the middle of the day. However, we also went on a weekday so the situation was a little different. If you can go on a weekday, I would to avoid peak crowds. Staff at this orchard say if you’re planning on a weekend visit, early mornings are best for apple picking. Carter Mountain Orchard is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. so I would plan on arriving right at the orchard at 9 a.m. sharp. Something to keep in mind, at this orchard, they do a little crowd control, so if the parking spaces are full, they will deny entry until parking is available. You can check their social media to stay up to date on this.

What Else You Need To Know

As with most orchards, you will pay for what you pick, so don’t pluck a perfect apple from the branch unless you want it. Pets are allowed, but on are recommended to be left at home. If you want to bring an apple picker, you can. However, it must be an official one, not of the homemade variety. Also, don’t forget something to put your apples in. We brought this basket I picked up at Michael’s. When you first arrive, you’ll go through a mini-orientation. They’ll explain how to best pick your apples and show you where the different kinds of apples are. Remember when I said to bring comfortable shoes? We had to walk quite far to get the Honeycrisp apples.

The Country Store at Carter Mountain Orchard is a must visit! They have delicious cider doughnuts they make fresh and you have to try them! Trust me, they are worth it. I have heard great things about their apple butter, along with their jams and jellies. Of course, it wouldn’t be a country store without pie or soft serve ice cream.